Meet Penny Gonzalez, a passionate advocate for animals hailing from Santa Paula. With a history as a veterinary technician and as a volunteer at pop-up rabies vaccination clinics around the county, her commitment is resolute. In her personal sanctuary, Penny shares her home with two Doberman pinchers, a beloved cocker spaniel, two cats, and a vibrant pond teeming with aquatic life. In the following article, Penny J. Gonzalez delves into an exploration of the myriad of ways our beloved pets enrich our lives.
From the dawn of history, an intricate and ancient connection has thrived between animals and humans. But does this alliance truly yield mutual benefits?
According to experts, there are numerous benefits given to humans who own pets. The life of a pet-owner is improved psychologically, physically, and emotionally. There are also several social benefits to owning a pet.
Below, Penny Gonzalez of Santa Paula explores this bond, the benefits of owning a pet, and the joy that is brought to both human and animal.
Penny J. Gonzalez Reveals the Advantages of the Human-Animal Connection
Caring for a pet may seem like too much work for some, despite the fluffy cuteness and warm cuddles. However, the balance of opinions may shift when one realizes the benefits pets can bring.
Physical Health Benefits
Unusual as it might seem, linking physical benefits with pet ownership raises eyebrows. Typically, discussions about the human-animal connection revolve around negative factors like allergies or potential bites. However, this perception is a misjudgment, for pets have the remarkable potential to profoundly enhance the well-being of their human counterparts.
For example, studies have shown that interacting with a trusted animal, (which is a category that most household pets fall into) can cause the brain to naturally release serotonin and oxytocin. These chemicals are associated with happiness, content, and a lack of stress.
Penny J. Gonzalez of Santa Paula states that it isn’t only mammalian pets that can provide these kinds of healthy brain reactions in their owners. Even observing fish in an aquarium or pond can help the brain to lower cortisol levels, otherwise known as stress.
Don’t forget how often having a dog or even a larger animal such as a horse, can aid in regular exercise! Many people who own pets find themselves with a regular interruption of their busy day to spend time outside and engaging in bonus interactions with their stress-reducing friends. This is all in addition to the protection that a dog can provide naturally to its “pack”.
Penny Gonzalez of Santa Paula says not only that, but both cats and dogs are capable of detecting hazardous abnormal elements in the human body before the affected human even knows they’re ill. Some of these include nosing out food allergies to detecting cancerous cells.
Social Benefits
Many people mistakenly associate the responsibility of owning a pet to a lack of engaging socially. However, it is important to realize that one of the benefits to owning a pet is actually deeper, and more meaningful social connections.
Taking a dog on a walk can boost one’s confidence and lead to pleasant interactions with fellow dog walkers. Often, it’s the dog’s presence that breaks the ice and leads to easier conversations. In fact, studies show that an animal, which has a higher energy level and an interest in new people, can lead to an encouragement of the same attitude in owners.
Psychological Benefits
Finally, the psychological benefits of owning a pet almost go without saying! Having a pet can also result in higher self-esteem levels.
Penny Gonzalez of Santa Paula explains that a pet can become a kind of friend that benefits in a real, tangible way from their owner’s care, providing non-judgmental affection in return. This can create a sense of purpose and capability in the pet owner, which can extend to every area of life and self-appraisal.
In Conclusion
The benefits of bonding with an animal can lead to a more enriched life. This includes psychological benefits, such as higher levels of self-esteem, which also provides pets with greater trust and confidence. Additionally, a person’s physical health can also greatly benefit from owning a pet (or two, or three!).
Lastly, Penny J. Gonzalez of Santa Paula says that forming a bond with a pet can lead to greater social connections, leading to a healthier, happier, and overall fulfilled life.
